Marya Mannes, 85; Versatile Writer

Marya Mannes, an outspoken author of several books who also wrote extensively for such publications as the New Yorker and The Reporter, has died at the age of 85.

Miss Mannes, who lived most of her life in New York, died Thursday at Laguna Honda Hospital, a geriatric facility.

The versatile writer was a social critic and a critic of radio, television and theater. She also wrote satirical verse.

Her books included “‘Out of My Time,” an autobiography that was published in 1971, and two novels: “Message from a Stranger” in 1948 and “They” in 1968.

Miss Mannes worked as a staff writer for The Reporter magazine from 1952 to 1963, writing articles, essays and reviews. She also wrote for McCalls and the New York Times.

She is survived by a son, David R.J. Blow.